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MMi has been privy to no shortage of "tips" this weekend that a rumored iOS 4 update may be released as early as Monday morning to address the rampant iPhone 4 antenna issues. Given the influx of complaints that have pelted both Apple and the blogosphere about this peculiar and persistent reception bug, it makes sense for Apple to address the matter. Of course, Apple already did. It's just that few seem to find the response to be adequate.

On Thursday evening, Apple spoke to the nagging antenna glitch by taking a general swipe at all cell phones. "This is a fact of life for every wireless phone," the company said. "Gripping any mobile phone will result in some attenuation of its antenna performance, with certain places being worse than others depending on the placement of the antennas."

But somewhere between then and now, a rumor surfaced that Apple will release an update early Monday to help repair the problem. The only concern - and this isn't news to anyone - is that the "Death Grip" solution isn't likely going to be software-based. And for this reason, it may be safe to conclude that Apple isn't going to release an update tailored to address the reception debacle.

Since pre-orders began, Apple has sold an estimated 1.5 million iPhone 4s. That figure could reach two million by the end of this month. And as reception complaints turn up more frequently as the days pass, Apple is going to have a remarkably difficult time pacifying customers with a simple statement that "all mobile phones" have similar reception issues when held improperly.

Of course, since last Thursday we've heard reports of everything from massive recalls and bad batches to software fixes and free bumpers for all. At this point, however, it isn't clear to anyone what Apple's next step will be. But Apple will soon have to make a next step. Because the escalating frustration with the iPhone 4's antenna glitch has become far too widespread to sweep beneath Cupertino's carpet much longer.